Verizon signal-boosters hacked to allow spying on phone calls and more

Two security experts have recently blown the whistle on a rather simple hack that is causing quite a stir as of late. While hacking smartphones in nothing new, this is something completely different. Research has revealed that cheap $250 range low-power cell signal-boosters called femtocells have been able to hack into mobile phones for years, and can be used to spy on calls, text messages and even photos. Scary stuff.

These Verizon "femtocells" allow improved signals and wider service to hard to reach locations, and areas with poor coverage, and apparently can be used maliciously instead of as a benefit. The researchers claim the simple hack turns these little devices into spy stations that can steal all sorts of private information. From calls to web browsing and more. They can even intercept and record conversations.

However, Verizon states it has updated the software on these signal-boosting femtocells devices, and have blocked the technique made public recently by these researchers. That sounds promising, but we're hearing other hacks will be introduced and this same method could affect nearly all signal-boosting devices on carriers nationwide.

Verizon Wireless claims their network extenders remains a very secure way to improve signal, but we're hearing the upcoming Black Hat hacking conference in Las Vegas the method will be scrutinized and put on display. There's been a lot of talk lately about the NSA and mobile privacy, but this is something regular folks can do too. More details can be found below. We'll be hearing more about this soon, most likely.